Socialists urge lowering VAT on cultural services

The opposition Socialist Party has proposed that VAT on services in areas of culture such as theatre, musical events and museums, should be lowered from 27 percent to 5 percent. Istvan Hiller, a deputy house speaker, told a press conference on Tuesday that the proposal was triggered by "uncertainties" in financing for culture after the government removed the earlier subsidy system in which companies could offer a part of their corporate tax for cultural purposes.